All eyes have turned to Rio those past two weeks. Coming to an end this weekend, the XXXI Olympic Games have been a great success for Team U.S.A. Collectively we have all been touched by the mastery of Simone Biles, amazed by the invincible Michael Phelps, and, at times, curious about the lesser-known sports like handball, synchronized diving, or trampoline. For those who have an Olympic blues now that we’re close to the end, cheer up with a round-up of exhibitions taking place in one of the most Olympic cities ever: Los Angeles. After hosting the games in 1932 and 1984, Los Angeles is now host to a major art scene.
Get ready to enter the art marathon! La Brea Avenue can’t be missed: celebrate the summer with the first LA solo exhibition of Justine Kurland, whose car photographs explore her fascination with the American West. Then, for a more wacky experience, discover new paintings by Vonn Sumner, including some referring to his imagined secret society, ‘The Confraternity of the Sock.’ And if you feel like you want to stop for a snack, head to M+B to see its group exhibition examining the intersections between food, daily life, and art in Los Angeles. Food-influenced paintings, drawings, sculpture, and videos by Matthew Brandt, Ed Ruscha, and Jonas Wood will keep your appetite strong!
Even if you can’t see all these exhibitions, remember the famous saying by Pierre de Coubertin: L’important n’est pas de gagner mais de participer—It’s not winning but participating that counts. So jump on the Olympic wave and make the best of your Angelino art race!
Patrick Graham, Dead Swan/Captain’s Hill (JRFA 8169) (1998–1999). Courtesy of Jack Rutberg Fine Arts.
Exhibition: “Patrick Graham: Thirty Years, The Silence Becomes The Painting”
When: May 21–August 31, 2016
Where: Jack Rutberg Fine Arts, 357 N. La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
Justine Kurland, Wolf Mama (2014). Courtesy of Kayne Griffin Corcoran.
Exhibition: “Justine Kurland: Auto Parts”
When: June 2–August 27, 2016
Where: Kayne Griffin Corcoran, 1201 S. La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
Joseph Stashkevetch, Torn Curtain #1 (Blue Roses) (2016). Courtesy of Von Lintel Gallery.
Exhibition: “Joseph Stashkevetch”
When: June 25–August 31, 2016
Where: Von Lintel Gallery, 2685 S. La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA
David Bromley, Ashley (2016). Courtesy of Andrew Weiss Gallery.
Exhibition: “David Bromley: L.A. Women”
When: June 25–September 1, 2016
Where: Andrew Weiss Gallery, 2525 Michigan Ave. Ste D4, Santa Monica, CA
Awol Erizku, Leango (2016). Courtesy of M+B.
Exhibition: “Please Have Enough Acid in the Dish!”
When: July 7–September 2, 2016
Where: M+B, 612 N. Almont Drive, Los Angeles, CA
Sam Vernon, Self Portrait with 12 Boxes (2015). Courtesy of 101/EXHIBIT.
Exhibition: “KOI NO YOKAN III: Curated by Dexter Wimberly”
When: July 9–August 27, 2016
Where: 101/EXHIBIT, 668 North La Peer Drive, West Hollywood, CA
Ori Gersht, Floating World, Hanging Sky 01 (2016). Courtesy of Kohn Gallery.
Exhibition: “Ori Gersht: Floating World”
When: July 9–September 2, 2016
Where: Kohn Gallery, 1227 North Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA
David Hockney, Untitled No.9 from the Yosemite Suite (2010). Courtesy of L.A. Louver.
Exhibition: “David Hockney: The Yosemite Suite”
When: July 13–October 1, 2016
Where: L.A. Louver, 45 N. Venice Boulevard, Venice, CA
Julie Blackmon, Laying Out (2015). Courtesy of Fahey/Klein Gallery.
Exhibition: “Julie Blackmon: Down Time”
When: July 14–September 3, 2016
Where: Fahey/Klein Gallery, 148 N. La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
Jeremy Gilbert-Rolfe, Pink Square (2014). Courtesy of Louis Stern Fine Arts.
Exhibition: “Jeremy Gilbert-Rolfe and LA Abstraction”
When: July 16–September 29, 2016
Where: Louis Stern Fine Arts, 9002 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA
Vonn Sumner, Crowd (2016). Courtesy of KP Projects.
Exhibition: “Vonn Sumner: To Be Seen”
When: July 30–August 27
Where: KP Projects, 170 S. La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
Analia Saban, Have a Nice Day, Thank You! Plastic Bag (2016). Courtesy of Mixografia®.
Exhibition: “Analia Saban: Paper or Plastic?”
When: September 10–November 12, 2016
Where: Mixografia®, 1419 E. Adams Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA